Poll: Gingrich Leads Romney in Florida

By Kyle Adams - January 23, 2012
Real Clear Politics

Newt Gingrich leads Mitt Romney by eight points in Florida, according to a poll conducted the day after the former House speaker won the South Carolina primary.

According to the Insider Advantage poll, Gingrich has 34 percent support, Romney has 26 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul has 13 percent, and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum garners 11 percent.

Florida Republicans go to the polls on Jan. 31. The candidates will face off in a debate Monday night in Tampa.

Gingrich won South Carolina on Saturday with more than 40 percent of the vote, capping a remarkable comeback sparked by two strong debate performances last week. Romney finished with just under 28 percent of the vote. Santorum and Paul finished in third and fourth place, respectively.

As the race moves to Florida, Romney looks to take advantage of his strong campaign infrastructure in the state while Gingrich aims to capitalize on his newfound momentum.

The rivals exchanged jabs on the Sunday morning talk shows, with Romney saying Gingrich is "not so conservative" while Gingrich said Romney is "a very good salesman" hocking a "really weak product."

(More here.)